He set his fork down, and took a few swallows of his iced tea. Sweet. He’d asked for unsweetened, but it wasn’t really worth the bother to ask for another glass. He hadn’t planned on tipping his waiter anyway. Erik normally did, but he was in a bad mood tonight.
Today’s dig had started out smoothly enough, same as much of the prior week’s expeditions. There had been a couple skirmishes with the Circle, but nothing Erik couldn’t easily handle. The team had continued to clear out the old tunnel they’d uncovered. Garrett had been quite excited; chattering away as he carefully cleaned, removed, and tagged the small items they found. Sam and Luke had been calmer; though it was evident they were enjoying themselves. Moira tried not to look bored. Winslow, however…Erik clenched his teeth. He was a professional, and had enough sense not to blast his client’s employees for being rude. He was used to rude. However, Winslow had nearly gotten him killed.
They were about seventy yards into the main tunnel they were working on. Smith had speculated that they had another fifty yards to go before reaching the ancient temple proper. Winslow’s earth magic had produced a pair of small stone elementals who were quickly removing earth from the tunnel and steadily revealing more of it.
Sudden, hoarse shouts behind them were accompanied by the scrabbling of boots on fresh dirt and rock. Everyone whirled about, but Erik already knew what he’d see. Sure enough…hooded figures with glowing green eyes and flashing weapons were charging towards the party.
Erik called his power to him, forming a glyph in his mind. He raised his hands and projected the power outward from him, channeling it through the rune. Crimson lightning filled his hands, casting an eerie red glow throughout the tunnel. The air around him had begun to smell like ozone, when Erik heard Winslow chanting. Perhaps he’d going to actually help him this time.
Erik’s answer came swiftly as a wall of stone burst from the ground. It sealed the tunnel, and served to separate the team from the oncoming Circle. Erik would’ve admired the efficiency…except for the small matter that the wall had formed behind him. Now, he was trapped between it and his enemies. Son of a BITCH. A crossbow quarrel grazed his shoulder, and Erik countered with a stream of lightning that hurled the crossbowman against the wall and pinned him there. It then arced to his fellows nearby, but he fell to the cave floor with his robes on fire. The others began to panic, a pair of quick bolts picking two of them off. The whole thing was over in moments.
The conjured wall crumbled as Winslow cancelled his spell, and Erik turned, striding quickly to stand nose-to-nose with him. “What the hell was that, arcanist? Trying to get me killed, are you?”
Winslow folded his arms and sneered, “If I wanted you dead, mercenary, you would BE dead. I have the party to think about. You’re supposed to be able to take care of yourself. Quit complaining, and do your job. Unless you want to do something about it?” Winslow’s smirk was a challenge.
Erik gritted his teeth, not rising to the bait. While annihilating Winslow would be immensely satisfying, it wasn’t worth losing out on the payment. For that matter, Erik seriously doubted that Cale would appreciate it. So, for now…he’d swallow his anger. But after this job was done…
“You know…you’re so sexy when you brood, Erik.”
Her voice with its faint Norse accent slammed Erik back into the here and now. He KNEW that voice, but it couldn’t be… He looked up, and met blue-green eyes as she approached his table. The swagger in her step, the knowing smirk, her powerful, tall frame…Erik had sorely missed her. Wanted her. But he wasn’t stupid enough to trust her.
“Anja.”
She pulled out the chair across the table from him and sat heavily into it. He glimpsed the hilt of her ever-present broadsword strapped to her back, right where it always used to be. The staff paid it, and her, no mind…but that wasn’t too surprising for the Isles. She laughed lightly, smoothing back honey-blonde hair. “You look as though you’ve seen the proverbial ghost, safecracker. True, it has been a long time, but I hardly think…”
He cut in, “What do you want, Anja?”
She blinked, and laughed, “So blunt, Erik? Well, I wouldn’t mind some garlic knots. They’re about the only thing this place can cook worth a damn.”
He smirked in spite of himself, “They allegedly make a decent ziti as well. I have my doubts.” Erik grew serious, “What brings you to this place, Anja?”
She waved a hand airily, “A ferry, naturally. I still can’t fly, and since I didn’t feel like swimming...”
Erik chuckled, and shook his head, “I see you still haven’t grown out of that.”
She smiled warmly, nodding, “Not yet. All right, sorry…to answer your question, I’m picking up a few things for a client. You know how it is. How about yourself?”
He shrugged warily. “Much the same.”
Anja laughed lightly. ”Same old Erik. So terribly forthcoming. I’ve missed you. I’d almost given up on ever seeing you again after what happened in New York
Erik frowned at her. Before he could say anything, however, the waiter returned with a plate of garlic knots, which he set in front of Anja. He had to admit, they smelled really good.
She noted his frown, looking concerned, “What is it?”
“New York
Anja sighed and set down her fork. “What was I supposed to do, Erik? I called for you to get out when I saw the cops, but you couldn’t hear me over your drill. If I’d gone back there to get you, they’d have caught us both.”
He met her eyes. “What about Gearshift? Why did you kill him?”
“Because he’s the one that sold us out. He tipped off the cops, and when the heist failed, he’s the one who told the Gallos. ”
Erik wanted to believe her. But he couldn’t. Not yet. He stood, taking out his wallet. Anja looked at him with pleading eyes, “Erik, wait. Please.”
“I have work to do, Anja. Do us both a favor. Stay safe, and stay away from me.”
She opened her mouth to say something, but he was already heading to the cashier.
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